The Uncertain Years Read Online Free

you still be careful.’ He smiled sadly, his sparse grey hair ruffling in the wind. ‘But I’m glad the letter has made you happy. I’m afraid I won’t always be delivering welcome news in the future.’
    ‘Were you in the last lot?’ she asked, studying him carefully.
    ‘I was, and I remember what it was like.’ He sighed, patted her arm, and continued with his round.
    ‘Becky!’ her mother called. ‘Was there any post?’
    She waved the letter and ran towards the house. ‘I’ve got to report on the seventh of January.’
    ‘But that’s your birthday.’ Mavis shut the front door as soon as her daughter was inside.
    ‘I know.’ She grinned. ‘Some birthday present, isn’t it? Well, I told them I was twenty, so I didn’t lie after all. We can celebrate my birthday at Christmas. I wonder if Bob and Jim will be able to get home?’
    ‘We can only hope so. Come into the kitchen where it’s warm and I’ll make us a pot of tea. Then we can read your letter properly.’
     
    By Christmas Eve, Becky had given up hope of seeing the boys, as she had so wanted to before she went away. There was no telling when they would all be able to get together again. It was no good fretting about it, because this was how life was going to be from now on. She began to turn away from staring aimlessly out of the window, but as she moved something caught her attention in the road, and she spun back, nose pressed against the cold glass.
    Was it …? As the figure strode closer she let out a yell of delight. ‘Mum! Mum! Jim’s home.’
    The front door crashed open as she hurtled out, waving frantically. ‘Jim!’
    He dropped his kitbag, laughing as she threw herself at him. He lifted her off her feet and spun round with her.
    ‘Why didn’t you let us know? How long have you got?’ she asked, as soon as he put her down.
    ‘It was an unexpected four-day pass.’
    Jim’s mother reached them, smiling with joy as she greeted her son. Mavis also arrived with Bob’s mother so Becky stepped back and studied her friend. He was thinner and his features more finely chiselled. He’d always been a strong, athletic boy, but now he looked fit and healthy. In fact he wasn’t a boy any longer – he was a man.
    ‘Come on, Becky, let Jim have some time with his family.’ Her mother took hold of her arm. ‘You can see him later.’
    ‘Yes, of course.’ She waved at Jim. ‘I want to hear all your news when you’re ready.’
    Hoisting his kitbag on his shoulder he nodded. ‘Any sign of Bob?’
    ‘No, afraid not.’
    ‘That’s a shame. See you later, Becky.’
    She went back indoors with her mother. ‘At least Jim’s made it, and that will please Will. He misses them terribly.’
    ‘And so do you.’ Mavis put the kettle on for tea.
    ‘I know, but at least I’ll be joining up myself soon, but Will has to stay behind. He never complains or shows his disappointment, but he’s not happy about being left out.’
    Mavis smiled sadly at her daughter. ‘You mustn’t worry about Will, darling. I know you feel protective towards him, but he’s had to live with his disability all his life. It’s made him strong and determined though. He’ll deal with anything he has to, and find himself a useful role in this war.’
    ‘Course he will. He’s got more courage than all of us.’
    ‘And I thank God for giving him that quality.’ Mavis’sexpression was a mixture of pride and sadness for the son she adored.
    The tea was made when Bill and his son walked in.
    ‘My goodness, you’re early,’ Mavis exclaimed.
    ‘Well, it is Christmas, even if there is a war on.’ Bill kissed his wife on the cheek. ‘And we might as well make the most of this one because there’s no telling what the next one will be like.’
    ‘Jim’s home,’ Becky told them, ‘so I think we should have a party.’
    ‘Oh, that’s marvellous!’ Will was on his feet in an instant and heading for the back door. ‘I’ll nip round and see him.’
    ‘Any